BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rayo Vallecano forward Randy Nteka scored one goal and helped produce another in a 2-0 win at Almeria on Friday to kick off the new Spanish league season.
Rayo took control of the league’s inaugural match thanks to two early penalties in the debut of coach Francisco Rodríguez, who replaced the successful Andoni Iraola after he took over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Midfielder Isi Palazón, Rayo’s leading scorer last season, converted a 20th-minute penalty after Almeria defender Edgar González fouled Nteka in the area while disputing a ball.
Nteka, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Elche, fired a second spot kick into the corner of the net eight minutes later after Almeria’s Sergio Akieme used his arm to block a cross by Nteka in the area.
Last season, Rayo flirted with a Europa League berth before finishing 11th. This summer it reinforced its squad with the arrival of central defender Aridane Hernández from Osasuna and left back Alfonso Espino from Cádiz.
Sevilla hosts Valencia later on Friday.
Real Madrid opens its season on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao, while Barcelona is at Getafe on Sunday.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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